Jizo Bon & Okuri-bi Service

Late August

Mizo statues are washed and decorated with new red bibs and hats. Offerings are made to thank them for protecting our children. Special tribute is made to Mizuko Jizo Bon who is the guardian of unborn, aborted, miscarried, and stillborn babies. A memorial service is conducted for infants who died before birth or within the first year of life. ​ "Okuribi" means "send-off" fire. The wooden tablets (kyogi)from Obon are burned, signifying that the spirits of the departed return back to the other world after their yearly visit. The services are held in the Temple courtyard.